ILLINOIS: Chicago's Professional Soccer Team Aligns With LGBT Rights Group

The Chicago Fire has teamed up with Equality Illinois is what is being described as the midwest's first "formal partnership" between a pro sports team and an LGBT rights group.

Other Chicago sports teams, including the Cubs and White Sox, have held promotional nights and donated items for silent auction fundraisers in the past, but none have officially partnered with Equality Illinois. [snip] "This support from a major pro-sports team signals to fans and LGBT youth the diverse voices that embrace equality," said Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov. "When we have sports heroes and teams show their support, it takes the conversation away from politics." The team will host Chicago Fire Pride Night at their game on Aug. 4 against Toronto FC, when a portion of ticket sale proceeds will go to benefit of the Equality Illinois Education Project.

Members of the Chicago Fire marched with Equality Illinois in last month's gay pride parade.